Onhisdeath—bedhebecameaCatholicoutofdeferencetothetearsofhiswife；butashischildrencouldnotinherithisfortythousandpoundsinvestedinEngland，withoutconformingtotheChurchofEngland，thefamilyreturnedtoLondon，wherethewidowcompliedwithalltheobligationsofthelawofEngland。Whatwillpeoplenotdowhentheirinterestsareatstake！thoughinacaselikethisthereisnoneedtoblameapersonforyielding，toprejudiceswhichhadthesanctionofthelaw。
　　Itwasnowthebeginningoftheyear1758，andfiveyearsbefore，whenIwasatPadua，Ifellinlovewiththeeldestdaughter，butafewmonthsafter，whenwewereatVenice，MadameX。C。V。thoughtgoodtoexcludemefromherfamilycircle。Theinsultwhichthemotherputuponmewassoftenedbythedaughter，whowrotemeacharmingletter，whichIlovetoreadevennow。Imayaswellconfessthatmygriefwastheeasiertobearasmytimewastakenupbymyfairnun，M————M————，andmydearC————C—————。Nevertheless，Mdlle。X。C。V。，thoughonlyfifteen，wasofaperfectbeauty，andwasallthemorecharminginthattoherphysicaladvantagesshejoinedthoseofaculturedmind。
　　CountAlgarotti，theKingofPrussia’schamberlain，gaveherlessons，andseveralyoungnobleswereamonghersuitors，herpreferenceapparentlybeinggiventotheheirofthefamilyofMemmodeSt。
　　Marcuola。Hediedayearafterwards，whilehewasprocurator。
　　Mysurpriseatseeingthisfamilyatsuchatimeandplacemaybeimagined。Mdlle。X。C。V。sawmedirectly，andpointedmeouttohermother，whomadeasigntomewithherfantocometotheirbox。
　　Shereceivedmeinthefriendliestmannerpossible，tellingmethatwewerenotatVenicenow，andthatshehopedIwouldoftencomeandseethematthe"HoteldeBretagne，"intheRueSt。AndredesArts。
　　ItoldthemthatIdidnotwishtorecallanyeventswhichmighthavehappenedatVenice，andherdaughterhavingjoinedherentreatiestothoseofhermother，Ipromisedtoaccepttheirinvitation。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。struckmeasprettierthanever；andmylove，aftersleepingforfiveyears，awoketofreshstrengthandvigour。TheytoldmethattheyweregoingtopasssixmonthsatParisbeforereturningtoVenice。InreturnIinformedthemthatIintendedmakingParismyhome，thatIhadjustleftHolland，thatIwasgoingtoVersaillesthenextday，sothatIcouldnotpaymyrespectstothemtillthedayafter。Ialsobeggedthemtoacceptmyservices，inamannerwhichletthemknowIwasapersonofsomeimportance。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。saidthatshewasawarethattheresultsofmyDutchmissionshouldrendermedeartoFrance，thatshehadalwayslivedinhopesofseeingmeoncemore，thatmyfamousflightfromTheLeadshaddelightedthem；"for，"sheadded，"wehavealwaysbeenfondofyou。"
　　"Ifancyyourmotherhaskeptherfondnessformeverymuchtoherself，"Iwhisperedtoher。
　　"Wewon’tsayanythingaboutthat，"saidsheinthesametone。"WelearntallthecircumstancesofyourwonderfulflightfromaletterofsixteenpagesyouwrotetoM。Memmo。Wetrembledwithjoyandshudderedwithfearaswereadit。"
　　"HowdidyouknowIhavebeeninHolland？"
　　"M。delaPopelinieretoldusaboutityesterday。"
　　M。delaPopeliniere，thefermier—general，whomIhadknownsevenyearsagoatPassi，cameintotheboxjustashisnamewasspoken。
　　AftercomplimentingmehesaidthatifIcouldcarrythroughthesameoperationfortheIndiaCompanymyfortunewouldbemade。
　　"Myadvicetoyouis，"hesaid，"togetyourselfnaturalizedbeforeitbecomesgenerallyknownthatyouhavemadehalfamillionofmoney。"
　　"Halfamillion！IonlywishIhad！"
　　"Youmusthavemadethatatthelowestcalculation。"
　　"Onthecontrary，Igiveyoumyassurance，thatifmyclaimforbrokerageisnotallowed，thetransactionwillproveabsolutelyruinoustome。"
　　"Ah！nodoubtyouarerighttotakethattone。Meanwhile，everyonewantstomakeyouracquaintance，forFranceisdeeplyindebtedtoyou。Youhavecausedthefundstorecoverinaverymarkeddegree。"
　　AftertheplaywasoverIwenttoSilvia’s，whereIwasreceivedasifIhadbeenthefavouritechildofthefamily；butontheotherhandIgavethemcertainproofsthatIwishedtoberegardedinthatlight。IwasimpressedwiththeideathattotheirunshakenfriendshipIowedallmygoodluck，andImadethefather，mother，thedaughter，andthetwosons，receivethepresentsIhadgotforthem。Thebestwasforthemother，whohandeditontoherdaughter。
　　Itwasapairofdiamondear—ringsofgreatbeauty，forwhichIhadgivenfifteenthousandfrancs。ThreedaysafterIsentheraboxcontainingfinelinenfromHolland，andchoiceMechlinandAlenconlace。Mario，wholikedsmoking，gotagoldpipe；thefatherachoicegoldandenamelledsnuff—box，andIgavearepeatertotheyoungerson，ofwhomIwasveryfond。Ishallhaveoccasionlaterontospeakofthislad，whosenaturalqualitieswerefarsuperiortohispositioninlife。But，youwillask，wasIrichenoughtomakesuchpresents？No，Iwasnot，andIknewitperfectlywell；butIgavethesepresentsbecauseIwasafraidofnotbeingabletodosoifI
　　waited。
　　IsetoutforVersaillesatday—break，andM。deChoiseulreceivedmeasbefore，hishairwasbeingdressed，butforamomenthelaiddownhispen，whichshewedthatIhadbecomeapersonofgreaterimportanceinhiseyes。Afteraslightbutgratefulcompliment，hetoldmethatifIthoughtmyselfcapableofnegotiatingaloanofahundredmillionstobearinterestatfourpercent。，hewoulddoallinhispowertohelpme。MyanswerwasthatIwouldthinkitoverwhenIheardhowmuchIwastohaveforwhatIhaddonealready。
　　"Buteverybodysaysthatyouhavemadetwohundredthousandflorinsbyit。"
　　"Thatwouldnotbesobad；halfamillionoffrancswouldbeafairfoundationonwhichtobuildafortune；butIcanassureyourexcellencethatthereisnotawordoftruthinthereport。Idefyanyonetoproveit；andtillsomesubstantialproofisoffered，I
　　thinkIcanlayclaimtobrokerage。"
　　"True，true。Gotothecomptroller—generalandstateyourviewstohim。"
　　M。deBoulognestoppedtheoccupationonwhichhewasengagedtogivemeamostfriendlygreeting，butwhenIsaidthatheowedmeahundredthousandflorinshesmiledsardonically。
　　"Ihappentoknow，"hesaid，"thatyouhavebillsofexchangetotheamountofahundredthousandcrownspayabletoyourself。"
　　"Certainly，butthatmoneyhasnoconnectionwithmymission，asI
　　canprovetoyoubyreferringyoutoM。d’Afri。Ihaveinmyheadaninfallibleprojectforincreasingtherevenuebytwentymillions，inamannerwhichwillcausenoirritation。"
　　"Youdon’tsayso！Communicateyourplan，andIpromisetogetyouapensionofahundredthousandfrancs，andlettersofnobilityaswell，ifyouliketobecomeaFrenchman。"
　　"Iwillthinkitover。"
　　OnleavingM。deBoulogneIwenttothePalace，whereaballetwasgoingonbeforetheMarquisedePompadour。
　　Shebowedtomeassoonasshesawme，andonmyapproachinghershetoldmethatIwasanablefinancier，andthatthe"gentlemenbelow"
　　couldnotappreciatemymerits。ShehadnotforgottenwhatIhadsaidtohereightyearsbeforeinthetheatreatFontainebleau。I
　　repliedthatallgoodgiftswerefromabove，whither，withherhelp，Ihopedtoattain。
　　OnmyreturntoParisIwenttothe"HotelBourbon"toinformmypatronoftheresultofmyjourney。HisadvicetomewastocontinuetoservetheGovernmentwell，asitsgoodfortunewouldcometobemine。OnmytellinghimofmymeetingwiththeX。C。V。’s，hesaidthatM。delaPopelinierewasgoingtomarrytheelderdaughter。
　　WhenIgottomyhousemysonwasnowheretobefound。Mylandladytoldmethatagreatladyhadcometocallonmylord，andthatshehadtakenhimawaywithher。GuessingthatthiswasMadamed’Urfe，I
　　wenttobedwithouttroublingmyselfanyfurther。Earlynextmorningmyclerkbroughtmealetter。Itcamefromtheoldattorney，uncletoGaetan’swife，whomIhadhelpedtoescapefromthejealousfuryofherbrutalhusband。Theattorneybeggedmetocomeandspeaktohimatthecourts，ortomakeanappointmentatsomeplacewherehecouldseeme。Iwenttothecourtsandfoundhimthere。
　　"Myniece，"hebegan，"foundherselfobligedtogointoaconvent；
　　andfromthisvantagegroundsheispleadingagainstherhusband，withtheaidofabarrister，whowillberesponsibleforthecosts。
　　However，towinourcase，werequiretheevidenceofyourself，CountTiretta，andotherservantswhowitnessedthesceneattheinn。"
　　IdidallIcould，andfourmonthsafterwardsGaetansimplifiedmattersbyafraudulentbankruptcy，whichobligedhimtoleaveFrance:induetimeandplace，Ishallhavesomethingmoretosayabouthim。Asforhiswife，whowasyoungandpretty，shepaidhercounselinlove’smoney，andwasveryhappywithhim，andmaybehappystillforallIknow，butIhaveentirelylostsightofher。
　　AftermyinterviewwiththeoldattorneyIwenttoMadame————toseeTiretta，whowasout。Madamewasstillinlovewithhim，andhecontinuedtomakeavirtueofnecessity。Ileftmyaddress，andwenttothe"HoteldeBretagne"topaymyfirstcallonMadameX。C。V。
　　Thelady，thoughshewasnotoverfondofme，receivedmewithgreatpoliteness。Ipossiblycutabetterfigureinhereyeswhenrich，andatParis，thenwhenwewereinVenice。Weallknowthatdiamondshavethestrangepoweroffascination，andthattheyformanexcellentsubstituteforvirtue！
　　MadameX。C。V。hadwithheranoldGreeknamedZandiri，brothertoM。deBragadin’smajor—domo，whowasjustdead。Iutteredsomeexpressionsofsympathy，andtheboordidnottakethetroubletoanswerme，butIwasavengedforhisfoolishstiffnessbytheenthusiasmwithwhichIwaswelcomedbyeveryoneelse。Theeldestgirl，hersisters，andthetwosons，almostoverwhelmedmewithfriendliness。Theeldestsonwasonlyfourteen，andwasayoungfellowofcharmingmanners，butevidentlyextremelyindependent，andsighedforthetimewhenhewouldbeabletodevotehimselftoacareerofprofligacyforwhichhewaswellfitted。Mdlle。X。C。V。
　　wasbothbeautifulandcharminginhermanner，andhadreceivedanexcellenteducationofwhich，however，shemadenoparade。Onecouldnotstayinherpresencewithoutlovingher，butshewasnoflirt，andIsoonsawthatsheheldoutnovainhopestothosewhohadthemisfortunenottopleaseher。Withoutbeingrudesheknewhowtobecold，anditwasalltheworseforthosewhomhercoldnessdidnotshewthattheirquestwasuseless。
　　ThefirsthourIpassedinhercompanychainedmeacaptivetohertriumphantcar。Itoldherasmuch，andsherepliedthatshewasgladtohavesuchacaptive。ShetooktheplaceinmyheartwhereEstherhadreignedaweekbefore，butIfreelyconfessthatEstheryieldedonlybecauseshewasaway。AstomyattachmenttoSylvia’sdaughter，itwasofsuchanatureasnottohindermefallinginlovewithanyotherwomanwhochancedtotakemyfancy。Inthelibertine’sheartlovecannotexistwithoutsubstantialfood，andwomenwhohavehadsomeexperienceoftheworldarewellawareofthisfact。TheyouthfulBalettiwasabeginner，andsoknewnothingofthesethings。
　　M。Farsetti，aVenetianofnoblebirth，aknightofMalta，agreatstudentoftheoccultsciences，andagoodLatinversifier，cameinatoneo’clock。DinnerwasjustreadyandMadameX。C。V。beggedhimtostay。Sheaskedmealsotodinewiththem，butwishingtodinewithMadamed’UrfeIrefusedtheinvitationforthenonce。
　　M。Farsetti，whohadknownmeverywellatVenice，onlynoticedmebyaside—glance，andwithoutshewinganyvexationIpaidhimbackinthesamecoin。HesmiledatMdlle。X。C。V。’spraiseofmycourage。
　　Shenoticedhisexpression，andasiftopunishhimforitwentontosaythatIhadnowtheadmirationofeveryVenetian，andthattheFrenchwereanxioustohavethehonourofcallingmeafellow—
　　citizen。M。Farsettiaskedmeifmypostatthelotterypaidwell。I
　　replied，coolly，"Oh，yes，wellenoughformetopaymyclerks’salaries。"
　　Heunderstoodthedriftofmyreply，andMdlle。X。C。V。smiled。
　　IfoundmysupposedsonwithMadamed’Urfe，orratherinthatamiablevisionary’sarms。Shehastenedtoapologizeforcarryinghimoff，andIturneditoffwithajest，havingnoothercoursetotake。
　　"Imadehimsleepwithme，"shesaid，"butIshallbeobligedtodeprivemyselfofthisprivilegeforthefuture，unlesshepromisestobemorediscreet。"
　　Ithoughttheideaagrandone，andthelittlefellow，inspiteofhisblushes，beggedhertosayhowhehadoffended。
　　"WeshallhavetheComtedeSt。Germain，"saidMadamed’Urfe，"todinner。Iknowheamusesyou，andIlikeyoutoenjoyyourselfinmyhouse。"
　　"Forthat，madam，yourpresenceisallIneed；nevertheless，Ithankyouforconsideringme。"
　　InduecourseSt。Germainarrived，andinhisusualmannersathimselfdown，nottoeatbuttotalk。Withafaceofimperturbablegravityhetoldthemostincrediblestories，whichonehadtopretendtobelieve，ashewasalwayseithertheheroofthetaleoraneyewitnessoftheevent。Allthesame，IcouldnothelpburstingintolaughterwhenhetoldusofsomethingthathappenedashewasdiningwiththeFathersoftheCouncilofTrent。
　　Madamed’Urfeworeonherneckalargemagnet。Shesaidthatitwouldonedayhappenthatthismagnetwouldattractthelightning，andthatshewouldconsequentlysoarintothesun。Ilongedtotellherthatwhen，shegotthereshecouldbenohigherupthanontheearth，butIrestrainedmyself；andthegreatcharlatanhastenedtosaythattherecouldbenodoubtaboutit，andthathe，andheonly，couldincreasetheforceofthemagnetathousandtimes。Isaid，dryly，thatIwouldwagertwentythousandcrownshewouldnotsomuchasdoubleitsforce，butMadamed’Urfewouldnotletusbet，andafterdinnershetoldmeinprivatethatIshouldhavelost，asSt。
　　Germainwasamagician。OfcourseIagreedwithher。
　　Afewdayslater，themagiciansetoutforChambord，wherethekinghadgivenhimasuiteofroomsandahundredthousandfrancs，thathemightbeatlibertytoworkonthedyeswhichweretoassurethesuperiorityofFrenchmaterialsoverthoseofanyothercountry。St。
　　Germainhadgotoverthekingbyarrangingalaboratorywhereheoccasionallytriedtoamusehimself，thoughheknewlittleaboutchemistry，butthekingwasthevictimofanalmostuniversalweariness。Toenjoyaharemrecruitedfromamongstthemostravishingbeauties，andoftenfromtheranksofneophytes，withwhompleasurehaditsdifficulties，onewouldhaveneededtobeagod，andLouisXV。wasonlyamanafterall。
　　Itwasthefamousmarquisewhohadintroducedtheadepttothekinginthehopeofhisdistractingthemonarch’sweariness，bygivinghimatasteforchemistry。IndeedMadamedePompadourwasundertheimpressionthatSt。Germainhadgivenherthewaterofperpetualyouth，andthereforefeltobligedtomakethechemistagoodreturn。
　　Thiswondrouswater，takenaccordingtothecharlatan’sdirections，couldnotindeedmakeoldageretireandgivewaytoyouth，butaccordingtothemarquiseitwouldpreserveoneinstatuquoforseveralcenturies。
　　Asamatteroffact，thewater，orthegiverofit，hadworkedwonders，ifnotonherbody，atleastonhermind；sheassuredthekingthatshewasnotgettingolder。Thekingwasasmuchdeludedbythisgrandimpostorasshewas，foronedayheshewedtheDucdesDeux—Pontsadiamondofthefirstwater，weighingtwelvecarats，whichhefanciedhehadmadehimself。"Imelteddown，"saidLouisXV。，"smalldiamondsweighingtwenty—fourcarats，andobtainedthisonelargeoneweighingtwelve。"ThusitcametopassthattheinfatuatedmonarchgavetheimpostorthesuiteformerlyoccupiedbyMarshalSaxe。TheDucdesDeux—Pontstoldmethisstorywithhisownlips，oneevening，whenIwassuppingwithhimandaSwede，theComtedeLevenhoop，atMetz。
　　BeforeIleftMadamed’Urfe，Itoldherthattheladmightbehewhoshouldmakehertobebornagain，butthatshewouldspoilallifshedidnotwaitforhimtoattaintheageofpuberty。Afterwhatshehadsaidabouthismisbehavior，thereaderwillguesswhatmademesaythis。ShesenthimtoboardwithViar，gavehimmastersoneverything，anddisguisedhimunderthenameoftheComted’Aranda，althoughhewasbornatBayreuth，andthoughhismotherneverhadanythingtodowithaSpaniardofthatname。ItwasthreeorfourmonthsbeforeIwenttoseehim，asIwasafraidofbeinginsultedonaccountofthenamewhichthevisionaryMadamed’Urfehadgivenhim。
　　OnedayTirettacametoseemeinafinecoach。Hetoldmethathiselderlymistresswantedtobecomehiswife，butthathewouldnothearofit，thoughsheofferedtoendowhimwithallherworldlygoods。Itoldhimthatifhegaveinhemightpayhisdebts，returntoTrevisa，andlivepleasantlythere；buthisdestinywouldnotallowhimtotakemyadvice。
　　Ihadresolvedontakingacountryhouse，andfixedononecalled"LittlePoland，"whichpleasedmebetterthanalltheothersIhadseen。Itwaswellfurnished，andwasahundredpacesdistantfromtheMadeleineGate。Itwassituatedonslightlyelevatedgroundneartheroyalpark，behindtheDucdeGrammont’sgarden，anditsownerhadgivenitthenameof"PleasantWarsaw。"Ithadtwogardens，oneofwhichwasonalevelwiththefirstfloor，threereceptionrooms，largestables，coachhouses，baths，agoodcellar，andasplendidkitchen。Themasterwascalled"TheButterKing，"andalwayswrotehimselfdownso；thenamehadbeengiventohimbyLouisXV。onthemonarch’sstoppingatthehouseandlikingthebutter。The"ButterKing"letmehishouseforahundredLouisperannum，andhegavemeanexcellentcookcalled"ThePearl，"atrueblue—ribbonoftheorderofcooks，andtoherhegavechargeofallhisfurnitureandtheplateIshouldwantforadinnerofsixpersons，engagingtogetmeasmuchplateasIwantedatthehireofasousanounce。HealsopromisedtoletmehavewhatwineIwanted，andsaidallhehadwasofthebest，and，moreover，cheaperthanIcouldgetitatParis，ashehadnogate—moneytopayonit。
　　Mattershavingbeenarrangedontheseterms，inthecourseofaweekIgotagoodcoachman，twofinecarriages，fivehorses，agroom，andtwofootmen。Madamed’Urfe，whowasmyfirstguest，wasdelightedwithmynewabode，andassheimaginedthatIhaddoneitallforher，Ileftherinthatflatteringopinion。Inevercouldbelieveinthemoralityofsnatchingfrompoormortalmanthedelusionswhichmakethemhappy。Ialsoletherretainthenotionthatyoungd’Aranda，thecountofherownmaking，wasascionofthenobility，thathewasbornforamysteriousoperationunknowntotherestofmankind，thatIwasonlyhiscaretaker（hereIspokethetruth），andthathemustdieandyetnotceasetolive。Allthesewhimsicalideasweretheproductsofherbrain，whichwasonlyoccupiedwiththeimpossible，andIthoughtthebestthingIcoulddowastoagreewitheverything。IfIhadtriedtoundeceiveher，shewouldhaveaccusedmeofwantoftrustinher，forshewasconvincedthatallherknowledgewasrevealedtoherbyhergenius，whospoketoheronlybynight。AftershehaddinedwithmeItookherbacktoherhouse，fullofhappiness。
　　Camillesentmealotteryticket，whichshehadinvestedinatmyoffice，andwhichprovedtobeawinningone，Ithink，forathousandcrownsorthereabouts。Sheaskedmetocomeandsupwithher，andbringthemoneywithme。Iacceptedherinvitation，andfoundhersurroundedbyallthegirlssheknewandtheirlovers。AftersupperIwasaskedtogototheoperawiththem，butwehadscarcelygottherewhenIlostmypartyinthecrowd。Ihadnomaskon，andI
　　soonfoundmyselfattackedbyablackdomino，whomIknewtobeawoman，andasshetoldmeahundredtruthsaboutmyselfinafalsettovoice，Iwasinterested，anddeterminedonfindingoutwhoshewas。
　　AtlastIsucceededinpersuadinghertocomewithmeintoabox，andassoonaswewereinandIhadtakenoffhermaskIwasastonishedtofindshewasMdlle。X。C。V。
　　"Ihavecometotheball，"saidshe，"withoneofmysisters，myelderbrother，andM。Farsetti。Ileftthemtogointoaboxandchangemydomino:
　　"Theymustfeelveryuneasy。"
　　"Idaresaytheydo，butIamnotgoingtotakepityonthemtilltheendoftheball。"
　　Findingmyselfalonewithher，andcertainofhavingherinmycompanyfortherestofthenight，Ibegantotalkofouroldlove—
　　making；andItookcaretosaythatIwasmoreinlovewithherthanever。Shelistenedtomekindly，didnotopposemyembraces，andbythefewobstaclessheplacedinmywayIjudgedthatthehappymomentwasnotfaroff。NeverthelessIfeltthatImustpracticerestraintthatevening，andsheletmeseethatshewasobligedtome。
　　"IheardatVersailles，mydearmademoiselle，thatyouaregoingtomarryM。delaPopeliniere。"
　　"Sotheysay。Mymotherwishesmetodoso，andtheoldfinancierfancieshehasgotmeinhistalonsalready；buthemakesamistake，asIwillneverconsenttosuchathing。"
　　"Heisold，butheisveryrich。"
　　"Heisveryrichandverygenerous，forhepromisesmeadowryofamillionifIbecomeawidowwithoutchildren；andifIhadasonhewouldleavemeallhisproperty。"
　　"Youwouldn’thavemuchdifficultyincomplyingwiththesecondalternative。"
　　"Ishallneverhaveanythingtodowithhismoney，forIshouldnevermakemylifemiserablebyamarriagewithamanwhomIdonotlove，whileIdoloveanother。"
　　"Another！Whoisthefortunatemortaltowhomyouhavegivenyourheart’streasure？"
　　"Idonotknowifmylovedoneisfortunate。MyloverisaVenetian，andmymotherknowsofit；butshesaysthatIshouldnotbehappy，thatheisnotworthyofme。"
　　"Yourmotherisastrangewoman，alwayscrossingyouraffections。"
　　"Icannotbeangrywithher。Shemaypossiblybewrong，butshecertainlylovesme。ShewouldratherthatIshouldmarryM。
　　Farsetti，whowouldbeverygladtohaveme，butIdetesthim。"
　　"Hashemadeadeclarationinterms？"
　　"Hehas，andallthemarksofcontemptIhavegivenhimseemtohavenoeffect。"
　　"Heclingshardtohope；butthetruthisyouhavefascinatedhim。"
　　"Possibly，butIdonotthinkhimsusceptibleofanytenderorgenerousfeeling。Heisavisionary；surly，jealous，andenviousinhisdisposition。Whenheheardmeexpressingmyselfaboutyouinthemanneryoudeserve，hehadtheimpudencetosaytomymotherbeforemyfacethatsheoughtnottoreceiveyou。"
　　"HedeservesthatIshouldgivehimalessoninmanners，butthereareotherwaysinwhichhemaybepunished。IshallbedelightedtoserveyouinanywayIcan。"
　　"Alas！ifIcouldonlycountonyourfriendshipIshouldbehappy。"
　　Thesighwithwhichsheutteredthesewordssentfirethroughmyveins，andItoldherthatIwasherdevotedslave；thatIhadfiftythousandcrownswhichwereatherservice，andthatIwouldriskmylifetowinherfavours。Sherepliedthatshewastrulygratefultome，andasshethrewherarmsaboutmyneckourlipsmet，butIsawthatshewasweeping，soItookcarethatthefirewhichherkissesraisedshouldbekeptwithinbounds。Shebeggedmetocomeandseeheroften，promisingthatasoftenasshecouldmanageitweshouldbealone。Icouldasknomore，andafterIhadpromisedtocomeanddinewiththemonthemorrow，weparted。
　　Ipassedanhourinwalkingbehindher，enjoyingmynewpositionofintimatefriend，andIthenreturnedtomyLittlePoland。Itwasashortdistance，forthoughIlivedinthecountryIcouldgettoanypartofParisinaquarterofanhour。Ihadaclevercoachman，andcapitalhorsesnotusedtobeingspared。Igotthemfromtheroyalstables，andassoonasIlostoneIgotanotherfromthesameplace，havingtopaytwohundredfrancs。Thishappenedtomeseveraltimes，for，tomymind，goingfastisoneofthegreatestpleasureswhichParisoffers。
　　HavingacceptedaninvitationtodinnerattheX。C。V。’s，Ididnotgivemyselfmuchtimeforsleep，andIwentoutonfootwithacloakon。Thesnowwasfallinginlargeflakes，andwhenIgottomadame’sIwasaswhiteasasheetfromheadtofoot。Shegavemeaheartywelcome，laughing，andsayingthatherdaughterhadbeentellingherhowshehadpuzzledme，andthatshewasdelightedtoseemecometodinnerwithoutceremony。"But，"addedshe，"it’sFridaytoday，andyouwillhavetofast，though，afterall，thefishisverygood。
　　Dinnerisnotreadyyet。Youhadbettergoandseemydaughter，whoisstilla—bed。"
　　Asmaybeimagined，thisinvitationhadnottoberepeated，foraprettywomanlooksbetterinbedthananywhereelse。IfoundMdlle。
　　X。C。V。sittingupinbedwriting，butshestoppedassoonasshesawme。
　　"Howisthis，sweetlie—a—bed，notupyet？"
　　"Yes，IamstayinginbedpartlybecauseIfeellazy，andpartlybecauseIamfreerhere。"
　　"Iwasafraidyouwerenotquitewell。"
　　"NoramI。However，wewillsaynomoreaboutthatnow。Iamjustgoingtotakesomesoup，asthosewhofoolishlyestablishtheinstitutionoffastingwerenotpoliteenoughtoaskmyopiniononthesubject。Itdoesnotagreewithmyhealth，andIdon’tlikeit，soIamnotgoingtogetupeventositattable，thoughIshallthusdeprivemyselfofyoursociety。"
　　Inaturallytoldherthatinherabsencedinnerwouldhavenosavour；
　　andIspokethetruth。
　　Asthepresenceofhersisterdidnotdisturbus，shetookoutofherpocket—bookanepistleinversewhichIhadaddressedtoherwhenhermotherhadforbiddenmethehouse。"Thisfatalletter，"saidshe，"whichyoucalled’ThePhoenix，’hasshapedmylifeandmayprovethecauseofmydeath。"
　　IhadcalleditthePhoenixbecause，afterbewailingmyunhappylot，IproceededtopredicthowshewouldafterwardsgiveherhearttoamortalwhosequalitieswouldmakehimdeservethenameofPhoenix。A
　　hundredlinesweretakenupinthedescriptionoftheseimaginarymentalandmoralcharacteristics，andcertainlythebeingwhoshouldhavethemallwouldberightworthyofworship，forhewouldberatheragodthanaman。
　　"Alas！"saidMdlle。X。C。V。，"Ifellinlovewiththisimaginarybeing，andfeelingcertainthatsuchanonemustexistIsetmyselftolookforhim。AftersixmonthsIthoughtIhadfoundhim。Igavehimmyheart，Ireceivedhis，welovedeachotherfondly。Butforthelastfourmonthswehavebeenseparated，andduringthewholetimeIhaveonlyhadoneletterfromhim。YetImustnotblamehim，forIknowhecannothelpit。Such，ismysorryfate:Icanneitherhearfromhimnorwritetohim:"
　　Thisstorywasaconfirmationofatheoryofminenamely，thatthemostimportanteventsinourlivesproceedoftenfromthemosttriflingcauses。Myepistlewasnothingbetterthananumberoflinesofpoetrymoreorlesswellwritten，andthebeingIhaddelineatedwascertainlynottobefound，ashesurpassedbyfarallhumanperfections，butawoman’shearttravelssoquicklyandsofar！
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。tookthethingliterally，andfellinlovewithachimeraofgoodness，andthenwasfaintoturnthisintoareallover，notthinkingofthevastdifferencebetweentheidealandthereal。Forallthat，whenshethoughtthatshehadfoundtheoriginalofmyfancyportrait，shehadnodifficultyinendowinghimwithallthegoodqualitiesIhadpictured。OfcourseMdlle。X。C。V。wouldhavefalleninloveifIhadneverwrittenheraletterinverse，butshewouldhavedonesoinadifferentmanner，andprobablywithdifferentresults。
　　AssoonasdinnerwasservedweweresummonedtodojusticetothechoicefishwhichM。delaPopelinierehadprovided。MadameX。C。V。
　　anarrowmindedGreek，wasnaturallybigotedandsuperstitious。Inthemindofasillywomantheideaofanalliancebetweenthemostoppositeofbeings，GodandtheDevil，seemsquitenatural。Apriesthadtoldherthat，sinceshehadconvertedherhusband，hersalvationwassecure，fortheScripturessolemnlypromisedasoulforasoultoeveryonewhowouldleadahereticoraheathenwithinthefoldofthechurch。AndasMadameX。C。V。hadconvertedherhusband，shefeltnoanxietyaboutthelifeoftheworldtocome，asshehaddoneallthatwasnecessary。However，sheatefishonthedaysappointed；
　　thereasonbeingthatshepreferredittoflesh。
　　Dinnerover，Ireturnedtothelady’sbedside，andtherestayedtillnearlynineo’clock，keepingmypassionswellundercontrolallthetime。Iwasfoppishenoughtothinkthatherfeelingswereaslivelyasmine，andIdidnotcaretoshewmyselflessself—restrainedthanshe，thoughIknewthen，asIknownow，thatthiswasafalselineofargument。Itisthesamewithopportunityaswithfortune；onemustseizethemwhentheycometous，orelsetheygoby，oftentoreturnnomore。
　　NotseeingFarsettiatthetable，Isuspectedtherehadbeenaquarrel，andIaskedmysweetheartaboutit；butshetoldmeIwasmistakeninsupposingtheyhadquarreledwithhim，andthatthereasonofhisabsencewasthathewouldneverleavehishouseonaFriday。Thedeludedmanhadhadhishoroscopedrawn，andlearningbyitthathewouldbeassassinatedonaFridayheresolvedalwaystoshuthimselfuponthatday。Hewaslaughedat，butpersistedinthesamecoursetillhediedfouryearsagoattheageofseventy。Hethoughttoprovebythesuccessofhisprecautionsthataman’sdestinydependsonhisdiscretion，andontheprecautionshetakestoavoidthemisfortunesofwhichhehashadwarning。Thelineofargumentholdsgoodinallcasesexceptwhenthemisfortunesarepredictedinahoroscope；foreithertheillspredictedareavoidable，inwhichcasethehoroscopeisauselesspieceoffolly，orelsethehoroscopeistheinterpreterofdestiny，inwhichcasealltheprecautionsintheworldareofnoavail。TheChevalierFarsettiwasthereforeafooltoimaginehehadprovedanythingatall。HewouldhaveprovedagooddealformanypeopleifhehadgoneoutonaFriday，andhadchancedtohavebeenassassinated。PicasdelaMirandola，whobelievedinastrology，says，"Ihavenodoubttruly，’Astrainfluunt，noncogunt’。"Butwouldithavebeenarealproofofthetruthofastrology，ifFarsettihadbeenassassinatedonaFriday？Inmyopinion，certainlynot。
　　TheComted’Eigrevillehadintroducedmetohissister，theComtesseduRemain，whohadbeenwantingtomakemyacquaintanceeversinceshehadheardofmyoracle。ItwasnotlongbeforeImadefriendswithherhusbandandhertwodaughters，theelderofwhom，nicknamed"Cotenfau，"marriedM。dePolignaclateron。MadameduRemainwashandsomeratherthanpretty，butshewontheloveofallbyherkindness，herfrankcourtesy，andhereagernesstobeofservicetoherfriends。Shehadamagnificentfigure，andwouldhaveawedthewholebenchofjudgesifshehadpleadedbeforethem。
　　AtherhouseIgottoknowMesdamesdeValbelleanddeRancerolles，thePrincessdeChimai，andmanyotherswhoweretheninthebestsocietyofParis。AlthoughMadameduRemainwasnotaproficientintheoccultsciences，shehadneverthelessconsultedmyoraclemorefrequentlythanMadamed’Urfe。ShewasoftheutmostservicetomeinconnectionwithanunhappycircumstanceofwhichIshallspeakpresently。
　　ThedayaftermylongconversationwithMdlle。X。C。V。，myservanttoldmethattherewasayoungmanwaitingwhowantedtogivemealetterwithhisownhands。Ihadhimin，andonmyaskinghimfromwhomthelettercame，herepliedthatIshouldfindallparticularsintheletter，andthathehadorderstowaitforananswer。Theepistleranasfollows:
　　"Iamwritingthisattwoo’clockinthemorning。Iamwearyandinneedofrest，butaburdenonmysouldeprivesmeofsleep。ThesecretIamabouttotellyouwillnolongerbesogrievouswhenI
　　haveconfidedinyou；Ishallfeeleasedbyplacingitinyourbreast。Iamwithchild，andmysituationdrivesmetodespair。I
　　wasobligedtowritetoyoubecauseIfeltIcouldnotsayit。Givemeawordinreply。"
　　Myfeelingsonreadingtheabovemaybeguessed。Iwaspetrifiedwithastonishmentandcouldonlywrite，"Iwillbewithyouateleveno’clock。"
　　Nooneshouldsaythathehaspassedthroughgreatmisfortunesunlesstheyhaveprovedtoogreatforhismindtobear。TheconfidenceofMdlle。X。C。V。shewedmethatshewasinneedofsupport。I
　　congratulatedmyselfonhavingthepreference，andIvowedtodomybestforherdiditcostmemylife。Thesewerethethoughtsofalover，butforallthatIcouldnotconcealfrommyselftheimprudenceofthestepshehadtaken。Insuchcasesasthesethereisalwaysthechoicebetweenspeakingorwriting，andtheonlyfeelingwhichcangivethepreferencetowritingisfalseshame，atbottommerecowardice。IfIhadnotbeeninlovewithher，Ishouldhavefounditeasiertohaverefusedmyaidinwritingthanifshehadspokentome，butIlovedhertodistraction。
　　"Yes，"saidItomyself，"shecancountonme。Hermishapmakesherallthedearertome。"
　　Andbelowthistherewasanothervoice，avoicewhichwhisperedtomethatifIsucceededinsavinghermyrewardwassure。Iamwellawarethatmorethanonegravemoralistwillflingstonesatmeforthisavowal，butmyansweristhatsuchmencannotbeinloveasI
　　was。
　　Iwaspunctualtomyappointment，andfoundthefairunfortunateatthedoorofthehotel。
　　"Youaregoingout，areyou？Whereareyougoing？"
　　"IamgoingtomassattheChurchoftheAugustinians。"
　　"Isthisasaint’sday？"
　　"No；butmymothermakesmegoeveryday。"
　　"Iwillcomewithyou。"
　　"Yesdo，givemeyourarm；wewillgointothecloistersandtalkthere。"
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。wasaccompaniedbyhermaid，butsheknewbetterthantobeintheway，soweleftherinthecloisters。Assoonaswewerealoneshesaidtome，"Haveyoureadmyletter？"
　　"Yes，ofcourse；hereitis，burnityourself。"
　　"No，keepit，anddosowithyourownhands。"
　　"Iseeyoutrustinme，andIassureyouIwillnotabuseyourtrust。"
　　"Iamsureyouwillnot。Iamfourmonthswithchild；Icandoubtitnolonger，andthethoughtmaddensme！"
　　"Comfortyourself，wewillfindsomewaytogetoverit。"
　　"Yes；Ileavealltoyou。Youmustprocureanabortion。"
　　"Never，dearest！thatisacrime！"
　　"Alas！Iknowthatwell；butitisnotagreatercrimethansuicide，andthereliesmychoice:eithertodestroythewretchedwitnessofmyshame，ortopoisonmyself。ForthelatteralternativeIhaveeverythingready。Youaremyonlyfriend，anditisforyoutodecidewhichitshallbe。Speaktome！AreyouangrythatIhavenotgonetotheChevalierFarsettibeforeyou？"
　　Shesawmyastonishment，andstoppedshort，andtriedtowipeawaythetearswhichescapedfromhereyes。Myheartbledforher。
　　"Layingthequestionofcrimeononeside，"saidI，"abortionisoutofourpower。Ifthemeansemployedarenotviolenttheyareuncertain，andiftheyareviolenttheyaredangeroustothemother。
　　Iwillneverriskbecomingyourexecutioner；butreckononme，Iwillnotforsakeyou。Yourhonourisasdeartomeasyourlife。Becalm，andhenceforththinkthattheperilismine，notyours。MakeupyourmindthatIshallfindsomewayofescape，andthattherewillbenoneedtocutshortthatlife，topreservewhichIwouldgladlydie。
　　AndallowmetosaythatwhenIreadyournoteIfeltglad，Icouldnothelpit，thatatsuchanemergencyyouchosemebeforeallotherstobeyourhelper。Youwillfindthatyourtrustwasnotgiveninvain，fornoonelovesyouaswellasI，andnooneissofaintohelpyou。LateryoushallbegintotaketheremediesIwillgetforyou，butIwarnyoutobeonyourguard，forthisisaseriousmatter——oneoflifeanddeath。Possiblyyouhavealreadytoldsomebodyaboutit——yourmaidoroneofyoursisters？"
　　"Ihavenottoldanybodybutyou，noteventheauthorofmyshame。
　　ItremblewhenIthinkwhatmymotherwoulddoandsayifshefoundoutmysituation。Iamafraidshewilldrawherconclusionsfrommyshape。"
　　"Sofarthereisnothingtobeobservedinthatdirection，thebeautyoftheoutlinestillremainsintact。"
　　"Buteverydayincreasesitssize，andforthatreasonwemustbequickinwhatwedo。Youmustfindasurgeonwhodoesnotknowmynameandtakemetohimtobebled。"
　　"Iwillnotruntherisk，itmightleadtothediscoveryofthewholeaffair。Iwillbleedyoumyself；itisasimpleoperation。"
　　"HowgratefulIamtoyou！Ifeelasifyouhadalreadybroughtmefromdeathtolife。WhatIshouldlikeyoutodowouldbetotakemetoamidwife’s。Wecaneasilygowithoutattractinganynoticeatthefirstballattheopera。"
　　"Yes，sweetheart，butthatstepisnotnecessary，anditmightleadtoourbetrayal。"
　　"No，no，inthisgreattowntherearemidwivesineveryquarter，andweshouldneverbeknown；wemightkeepourmasksonallthetime。
　　Domethiskindness。Amidwife’sopinioniscertainlyworthhaving。"
　　Icouldnotrefuseherrequest，butImadeheragreetowaittillthelastball，asthecrowdwasalwaysgreater，andwehadabetterchanceofgoingoutfreefromobservation。IpromisedtobethereinablackdominowithawhitemaskintheVenetianfashion，andarosepaintedbesidethelefteye。Assoonasshesawmegooutshewastofollowmeintoacarriage。Allthiswascarriedout，butmoreofitanon。
　　Ireturnedwithher，anddinedwiththemwithouttakinganynoticeofFarsetti，whowasalsoatthetable，andhadseenmecomebackfrommasswithher。Wedidnotspeakawordtooneanother；hedidnotlikemeandIdespisedhim。
　　ImusthererelateagrievousmistakeofwhichIwasguilty，andwhichIhavenotyetforgivenmyself。
　　IhadpromisedtotakeMdlle。X。C。V。toamidwife，butIcertainlyoughttohavetakenhertoarespectablewoman’s，forallwewantedtoknowwashowapregnantwomanshouldregulateherdietandmannerofliving。ButmyevilgeniustookmebytheRueSt。Louis，andthereIsawtheMontignienteringherhousewithaprettygirlwhomI
　　didnotknow，andsooutofcuriosityIwentinafterthem。Afteramusingmyselfthere，withMdlle。X。C。V。runninginmyheadallthetime，Iaskedthewomantogivemetheaddressofamidwife，asI
　　wantedtoconsultone。ShetoldmeofahouseintheMarais，whereaccordingtoherdweltthepearlofmidwives，andbegantellingmesomestoriesofherexploits，whichallwenttoprovethatthewomanwasaninfamouscharacter。Itookheraddress，however，andasI
　　shouldhavetogotherebynight，Iwentthenextdaytoseewherethehousewas。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。begantotaketheremedieswhichIbroughther，whichoughttohaveweakenedanddestroyedtheresultoflove，butasshedidnotexperienceanybenefit，shewasimpatienttoconsultamidwife。Onthenightofthelastballsherecognizedmeaswehadagreed，andfollowedmeoutintothecoachshesawmeenter，andinlessthanaquarterofanhourwereachedthehouseofshame。
　　Awomanofaboutfiftyreceiveduswithgreatpoliteness，andaskedwhatshecoulddo。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。toldherthatshebelievedherselfpregnant，andthatshedesiredsomemeansofconcealinghermisfortune。Thewretchansweredwithasmilethatshemightaswelltellherplainlythatitwouldbeeasytoprocureabortion。"Iwilldoyourbusiness，"saidshe，"forfiftyLouis，halftobepaidinadvanceonaccountofdrugs，andtherestwhenit’sallover。Iwilltrustinyourhonesty，andyouwillhavetotrustinmine。Givemethetwenty—fiveLouisdown，andcomeorsendto—morrowforthedrugs，andinstructionsforusingthem。"
　　Sosayingsheturnedupherclotheswithoutanyceremony，andasI，atMdlle。X。C。V。’srequest，lookedaway，shefeltherandpronounced，assheletdownherdress，thatshewasnotbeyondthefourthmonth。
　　"Ifmydrugs，"saidshe，"contrarytomyexpectation，donotdoanygood，wewilltrysomeotherways，and，inanycase，ifIdonotsucceedinobligingyouIwillreturnyouyourmoney。"
　　"Idon’tdoubtitforamoment，"saidI，"butwouldyoutellmewhatarethoseotherways！"
　　"Ishouldtelltheladyhowtodestroythefoetus。"
　　Imighthavetoldherthattokillthechildmeantgivingamortalwoundtothemother，butIdidnotfeelinclinedtoenterintoaargumentwiththisvilecreature。
　　"Ifmadamedecidesontakingyouradvice，"saidI，"Iwillbringyouthemoneyfordrugsto—morrow。"
　　IgavehertwoLouisandleft。Mdlle。X。C。V。toldmethatshehadnodoubtoftheinfamyofthiswoman，asshewassureitwasimpossibletodestroytheoffspringwithouttheriskofkillingthemotheralso。"Myonlytrust，"saidshe，"isinyou。"Iencouragedherinthisidea，dissuadingherfromanycriminalattempts，andassuredheroverandoveragainthatsheshouldnotfindhertrustinmemisplaced。Allatonceshecomplainedoffeelingcold，andaskedifwehadnottimetowarmourselvesinLittlePoland，sayingthatshelongedtoseemyprettyhouse。Iwassurprisedanddelightedwiththeidea。Thenightwastoodarkforhertoseetheexteriorcharmsofmyabode，shewouldhavetosatisfyherselfwiththeinside，andleavetheresttoherimagination。Ithoughtmyhourhadcome。Imadethecoachstopandwegotdownandwalkedsomeway，andthentookanotheratthecorneroftheRuedelaFerannerie。I
　　promisedthecoachmansixfrancsbeyondhisfare，andinaquarterofanhourheputusdownatmydoor。
　　Irangwiththetouchofthemaster，thePearlopenedthedoor，andtoldmethattherewasnobodywithin，asIverywellknew，butitwasherhabittodoso。
　　"Quick！"saidI，"lightusafire，andbringsomeglassesandabottleofchampagne。"
　　"Wouldyoulikeanomelette？"
　　"Verywell。"
　　"Oh，Ishouldlikeanomelettesomuch！"saidMdlle。X。C。V。Shewasravishing，andherlaughingairseemedtopromisemeamomentofbliss。Isatdownbeforetheblazingfireandmadehersitonmyknee，coveringherwithkisseswhichshegavemebackaslovingly。I
　　hadalmostwonwhatIwantedwhensheaskedmeinasweetvoicetostop。Iobeyed，thinkingitwouldpleaseher，feelingsurethatsheonlydelayedmyvictorytomakeitmorecomplete，andthatshewouldsurrenderafterthechampagne。Isawlove，kindness，trust，andgratitudeshininginherface，andIshouldhavebeensorryforhertothinkthatIclaimedherasamerereward。No，Iwantedherlove，andnothingbutherlove。
　　Atlastwegottoourlastglassofchampagne，werosefromthetable，andsentimentallybutwithgentleforceIlaidheronacouchandheldheramorouslyinmyarms。Butinsteadofgivingherselfuptomyembracessheresistedthem，atfirstbythoseprayerswhichusuallymakeloversmoreenterprising，thenbyseriousremonstrances，andatlastbyforce。Thiswastoomuch，themereideaofusingviolencehasalwaysshockedme，andIamstillofopinionthattheonlypleasureintheamorousembracespringsfromperfectunionandagreement。Ipleadedmycauseineveryway，Ipaintedmyselfastheloverflattered，deceived，despised！AtlastItoldherthatIhadhadacruelawakening，andIsawthattheshaftwenthome。Ifellonmykneesandbeggedhertoforgiveme。"Alas！"saidshe，inavoicefullofsadness，"Iamnolongermistressofmyheart，andhavefargreatercauseforgriefthanyou。"Thetearsflowedfastdownhercheeks，herheadrestedonmyshoulder，andourlipsmet；butforallthatthepiecewasover。Theideaofrenewingtheattacknevercameintomyhead，andifithadIshouldhavescornfullyrejectedit。
　　Afteralongsilence，ofwhichwebothstoodinneed，shetoconquerhershame，andItorepressmyanger，weputonourmasksandreturnedtotheopera。Onourwayshedaredtotellmethatsheshouldbeobligedtodeclinemyfriendshipifshehadtopayforitsodearly。
　　"Theemotionsoflove，"Ireplied，"shouldyieldtothoseofhonour，andyourhonouraswellasminerequireustocontinuefriends。WhatIwouldhavedoneforloveIwillnowdofordevotedfriendship，andforthefutureIwilldieratherthanmakeanotherattempttogainthosefavoursofwhichIthoughtyoudeemedmeworthy。"
　　Weseparatedattheopera，andthevastcrowdmademelosesightofherinaninstant。Nextdayshetoldmethatshehaddancedallnight。Shepossiblyhopedtofindinthatexercisethecurewhichnomedicineseemedlikelytogiveher。
　　Ireturnedtomyhouseinabadhumour，tryinginvaintojustifyarefusalwhichseemedhumiliatingandalmostincredible。Mygoodsenseshewedme，inspiteofallsophisms，thatIhadbeengrievouslyinsulted。IrecollectedthewittysayingofPopulia，whowasneverunfaithfultoherhusbandexceptwhenshewaswithchild；"Nontollovectorem，"saidshe，"nisinaviplena。"
　　IfeltcertainthatIwasnotloved，andthethoughtgrievedme；andIconsideredthatitwouldbeunworthyofmetoloveonewhomIcouldnolongerhopetopossess。Iresolvedtoavengemyselfbyleavinghertoherfate，feelingthatIcouldnotallowmyselftobedupedasIhadbeen。
　　Thenightbroughtwisdomwithit，andwhenIawokeinthemorningmymindwascalmandIwasstillinlove。Ideterminedtoactgenerouslybytheunfortunategirl。Withoutmyaidshewouldberuined；mycourse，then，wouldbetocontinuemyservicesandtoshewmyselfindifferenttoherfavours。Thepartwasnoeasyone，butI
　　playeditrightwell，andatlastmyrewardcameofitself。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　IContinueMyRelationsWithMdlle。X。C。V。——VainAttemptstoProcureAbortion——TheAroph——SheFliesFromHomeandTakesRefugeinaConventThedifficultiesIencounteredonlyservedtoincreasemyloveformycharmingEnglishwoman。Iwenttoseehereverymorning，andasmyinterestinherconditionwasgenuine，shecouldhavenosuspicionthatIwasactingapart，orattributemycareofhertoanythingbutthemostdelicatefeelings。Forherpartsheseemedwellpleasedinthealterationofmybehaviour，thoughhersatisfactionmayveryprobablyhavebeenassumed。Iunderstoodwomenwellenoughtoknowthatthoughshedidnotlovemeshewasprobablyannoyedatseeingmynewcharactersituponmesoeasily。
　　Onemorninginthemidstofanunimportantanddisconnectedconversation，shecomplimentedmeuponmystrengthofmindinsubduingmypassion，adding，withasmile，thatmydesirecouldnothaveprickedmeverysharply，seeingthatIhadcuredmyselfsowellinthecourseofaweek。IquietlyrepliedthatIowedmycurenottotheweaknessofmypassionbuttomyself—respect。
　　"Iknowmyowncharacter，"Isaid，"andwithoutunduepresumption，I
　　thinkImaysaythatIamworthyofawoman’slove。Naturally，afteryourconvincingmethatyouthinkdifferently，Ifeelhumiliatedandindignant。Doyouknowwhateffectsuchfeelingshaveontheheart？"
　　"Alas！"saidshe，"Iknowtoowell。Theireffectistoinspireonewithcontemptforherwhogaverisetothem。"
　　"Thatisgoingtoofar，atleastinmycase。Myindignationwasmerelysucceededbyarenewedconfidenceinmyself，andadeterminationtoberevenged。"
　　"Toberevenged！Inwhatway？"
　　"Iwishtocompelyoutoesteemme，byprovingtoyouthatIamlordofmyself，andcanpassbywithindifferencewhatIoncesoardentlydesired。IdonotknowwhetherIhavesucceededyet，butImaysaythatIcannowcontemplateyourcharmswithoutdesiringtopossessthem。"
　　"Youaremakingamistake，forIneverceasedtoesteemyou，andI
　　esteemedyouasmuchaweekagoasIdoto—day。NorforamomentI
　　didthinkyoucapableofleavingmetomyfateasapunishmentforhavingrefusedtogivewaytoyourtransports，andIamgladthatI
　　readyourcharacterrightly。"
　　WewentontospeakoftheopiateImadehertake，andasshesawnochangeinherconditionshewantedmetoincreasethedose——arequestItookcarenottogrant，asIknewthatmorethanhalfadrachmmightkillher。Ialsoforbadehertobleedherselfagain，asshemightdoherselfaseriousinjurywithoutgaininganythingbyit。
　　Hermaid，ofwhomshehadbeenobligedtomakeaconfidante，hadhadherbledbyastudent，herlover。ItoldMdlle。X。C。V。thatifshewantedthesepeopletokeephercounselshemustbeliberalwiththem，andsherepliedthatshehadnomoney。Iofferedhermoneyandsheacceptedfiftylouis，assuringmethatshewouldrepaymethatsumwhichsheneededforherbrotherRichard。Ihadnotasmuchmoneyaboutme，butIsentherthesamedayapacketoftwelvehundredfrancswithanoteinwhichIbeggedhertohaverecoursetomeinallhernecessities。Herbrothergotthemoney，andthoughthimselfauthorizedtoapplytomeforaidinamuchmoreimportantmatter。
　　Hewasayoungmanandaprofligate，andhadgotintoahouseofill—
　　fame，fromwhichhecameoutinsorryplight。HecomplainedbitterlythatM。Farsettihadrefusedtolendhimfourlouis，andheaskedmetospeaktohismotherthatshemightpayforhiscure。Iconsented，butwhenhismotherheardwhatwasthematterwithhim，shesaiditwouldbemuchbettertoleavehimashewas，asthiswasthethirdtimehehadbeeninthiscondition，andthattohavehimcuredwasawasteofmoney，asnosoonerwashewellthanhebeganhisdissipatedlifeafresh。Shewasquiteright，forIhadhimcuredatmyexpensebyanablesurgeon，andhewasinthesamewayamonthafter。Thisyoungmanseemedintendedbynatureforshamefulexcesses，forattheageoffourteenhewasanaccomplishedprofligate。
　　Hissisterwasnowsixmonthswithchild，andasherfiguregrewgreatsodidherdespair。Sheresolvednottoleaveherbed，anditgrievedmetoseeherthuscastdown。Thinkingmeperfectlycuredofmypassionforher，shetreatedmepurelyasafriend，makingmetouchherallovertoconvincemethatshedarenotshewherselfanylonger。Iplayedinshortthepartofamidwife，butwithwhatastruggle！IhadtopretendtobecalmandunconcernedwhenIwasconsumedwithpassion。Shespokeofkillingherselfinamannerthatmademeshudder，asIsawthatshehadreflectedonwhatshewassaying。Iwasinadifficultpositionwhenfortunecametomyassistanceinastrangeandamusingmanner。
　　Oneday，asIwasdiningwithMadamed’Urfe，Iaskedherifsheknewofanywaybywhichagirl，whohadallowedherlovertogotoofar，mightbeprotectedfromshame。"Iknowofaninfalliblemethod，"shereplied，"thearophofParacelsustowit，anditiseasyofapplication。Doyouwishtoknowmoreaboutit？"sheadded；andwithoutwaitingformetoanswershebroughtamanuscript，andputitinmyhands。Thispowerfulemmenagoguewasakindofunguentcomposedofseveraldrugs，suchassaffron，myrrh，etc。，compoundedwithvirginhoney。Toobtainthenecessaryresultonehadtoemployacylindricalmachinecoveredwithextremelysoftskin，thickenoughtofilltheopeningofthevagina，andlongenoughtoreachtheopeningofthereservoirorcasecontainingthefoetus。Theendofthisapparatuswastobewellanointedwitharoph，andasitonlyactedatamomentofuterineexcitementitwasnecessarytoapplyitwiththesamemovementasthatofcoition。Thedosehadtoberepeatedfiveorsixtimesadayforawholeweek。
　　Thisnostrum，andthemannerofadministeringit，struckmeinsolaughablealightthatIcouldnotkeepmycountenance。Ilaughedwithallmyheart，butforallthatIspentthenexttwohoursinreadingthedreamsofParacelsus，inwhichMadamed’UrfeputmoretrustthaninthetruthsoftheGospel；IafterwardsreferredtoBoerhaave，whospeaksofthearophinmorereasonableterms。
　　Seeing，asIhaveremarked，thecharmingX。C。V。severalhoursadaywithoutanykindofconstraint，feelinginlovewithherallthetime，andalwaysrestrainingmyfeelings，itisnowonderifthehiddenfirethreatenedateverymomenttoleapupfromtheashesofitsconcealment。Herimagepursuedmeunceasingly，ofherIalwaysthought，andeverydaymadeitmoreevidentthatIshouldknowrestnomoretillIsucceededinextinguishingmypassionbyobtainingpossessionofallhercharms。
　　AsIwasthinkingofherbymyselfIresolvedtotellherofmydiscovery，hopingshewouldneedmyhelpintheintroductionofthecylinder。Iwenttoseeheratteno’clock，andfoundher，asusual，inbed；shewasweepingbecausetheopiateIgaveherdidnottakeeffect。IthoughtthetimeagoodoneforintroducingthearophofParacelsus，whichIassuredherwasaninfalliblemeansofattainingtheendshedesired；butwhilstIwassingingthepraisesofthisapplicationtheideacameintomyheadtosaythat，tobeabsolutelycertain，itwasnecessaryforthearophtobemingledwithsemenwhichhadnotlostitsnaturalheat。
　　"Thismixture，"saidI，"moisteningseveraltimesadaytheopeningofthewomb，weakensittosuchadegreethatthefoetusisexpelledbyitsownweight:"
　　TothesedetailsIaddedlengthyargumentstopersuadeheroftheefficacyofthiscure，andthen，seeingthatshewasabsorbedinthought，Isaidthatasherloverwasawayshewouldwantasurefriendtoliveinthesamehousewithher，andgiveherthedoseaccordingtothedirectionsofParacelsus。
　　Allatoncesheburstintoapealoflaughter，andaskedmeifIhadbeenjestingallthetime。
　　Ithoughtthegamewasup。Theremedywasanabsurdone，onthefaceofit；andifhercommonsensetoldherasmuchitwouldalsomakeherguessmymotive。Butwhatlimitsaretheretothecredulityofawomaninhercondition？
　　"Ifyouwish，"saidI，persuasively，"IwillgiveyouthemanuscriptwhereallthatIhavesaidissetdownplainly。IwillalsoshewyouwhatBoerhaevethinksaboutit。"
　　Isawthatthesewordsconvincedher；theyhadactedonherasifbymagic，andIwentonwhiletheironwashot。
　　"Thearoph，"saidI，"isthemostpowerfulagentforbringingonmenstruation。"
　　"AndthatisincompatiblewiththestateIamnowin；sothearophshouldprocuremeasecretdeliverance。Doyouknowitscomposition？"
　　"Certainly；itisquiteasimplepreparationcomposedofcertainingredientswhicharewellknowntome，andwhichhavetobemadeintoapastewithbutterorvirginhoney。Butthiscompositionmusttouchtheorificeoftheuterusatamomentofextremeexcitement。"
　　"Butinthatcaseitseemstomethatthepersonwhogivesthedosemustbeinlove。"
　　"Certainly，unlessheisamereanimalrequiringonlyphysicalincentives。"
　　Shewassilentforsometime，forthoughshewasquick—wittedenough，awoman’snaturalmodestyandherownfrankness，preventedherfromguessingatmyartifice。I，too，astonishedatmysuccessinmakingherbelievethisfable，remainedsilent。
　　Atlast，breakingthesilence，shesaid，sadly，"Themethodseemstomeanexcellentone，butIdonotthinkIoughttomakeuseofit。"
　　Thensheaskedmeifthearophtookmuchtimetomake。
　　"Twohoursatmost，"Ianswered，"ifIsucceedinprocuringEnglishsaffron，whichParacelsuspreferstotheOrientalsaffron。"
　　AtthatmomenthermotherandtheChevalierFarsetticamein，andaftersometalkofnoconsequencesheaskedmetostaytodinner。I
　　wasgoingtodecline，whenMdlle。X。C。V。saidshewouldsitattable，onwhichIaccepted；andwealllefttheroomtogivehertimetodress。Shewasnotlongindressing，andwhensheappearedherfigureseemedtomequitenymph—like。Iwasastonished，andcouldscarcelybelievemyeyes，andIwasonthepointofthinkingthatI
　　hadbeenimposedon，forIcouldnotimaginehowshecouldmanagetoconcealthefulnessIhadfeltwithmyownhands。
　　M。Farsettisatbyher，andIbythemother。Mdlle。X。C。V。，whoseheadwasfullofthearoph，askedherneighbour，whogavehimselfoutforagreatchemist，ifheknewit。
　　"IfancyIknowitbetterthananyone，"answeredFarsetti，inaself—
　　satisfiedmanner。
　　"Whatisitgoodfor？"
　　"Thatistoovagueaquestion。"
　　"Whatdoesthewordmean？"
　　"ItisanArabicword，ofwhichIdonotknowthemeaning；butnodoubtParacelsuswouldtellus。"
　　"Theword，"saidI，"isneitherArabicnorHebrew，nor，indeed，ofanylanguageatall。Itisacontractionwhichconcealstwootherwords。"
　　"Canyoutelluswhattheyare？"saidthechevalier。
　　"Certainly；arocomesfromaroma，andphistheinitialofphilosophorum:"
　　"DidyougetthatoutofParacelsus？"saidFarsetti，evidentlyannoyed。
　　"No，sir；IsawitinBoerhaave。"
　　"That’sgood，"saidhe，sarcastically；"Boerhaavesaysnothingofthesort，butIlikeamanwhoquotesreadily。"
　　"Laugh，sir，ifyoulike，"saidI，proudly，"buthereisthetestofwhatIsay；acceptthewagerifyoudare。Idon’tquotefalsely，likepersonswhotalkofwordsbeingArabic。"
　　SosayingIflungapurseofgoldonthetable，butFarsetti，whowasbynomeanssureofwhathewassaying，answereddisdainfullythatheneverbetted。
　　However，Mdlle。X。C。V。，enjoyinghisconfusion，toldhimthatwasthebestwaynevertolose，andbegantojokehimonhisArabicderivation。But，formypart，Ireplacedmypurseinmypocket，andonsometriflingpretextwentoutandsentmyservanttoMadamed’Urfe’stogetmeBoerhaave。
　　OnmyreturntotheroomIsatdownagainattable，andjoinedgailyintheconversationtillthereturnofmymessengerwiththebook。I
　　openedit，andasIhadbeenreadingittheeveningbeforeIsoonfoundtheplaceIwanted，andgivingittohimbeggedhimtosatisfyhimselfthatIhadquotednotreadilybutexactly。Insteadoftakingthebook，hegotupandwentoutwithoutsayingaword。
　　"Hehasgoneawayinarage，"saidthemother；"andIwouldwageranythingthathewillnotcomebackagain。"
　　"Iwagerhewill，"saidthedaughter，"hewillhonouruswithhisagreeablecompanybeforeto—morrow’ssunhasset。"
　　Shewasright。FromthatdayFarsettibecamemydeterminedenemy，andletnoopportunityslipofconvincingmeofhishatred。
　　AfterdinnerweallwenttoPassytobepresentataconcertgivenbyM。delaPopeliniere，whomadeusstaytosupper。IfoundthereSilviaandhercharmingdaughter，whopoutedatmeandnotwithoutcause，asIhadneglectedher。Thefamousadept，St。Germain，enlivenedthetablewithhiswildtiradessofinelydelivered。I
　　haveneverseenamoreintellectualoramusingcharlatanthanhe。
　　NextdayIshutmyselfuptoanswerahostofquestionsthatEstherhadsentme。Itookcaretoanswerallthosebearingonbusinessmattersasobscurelyaspossible，notonlyforthecreditoftheoracle，butalsoforfearofmisleadingthefatherandmakinghimlosemoney。TheworthymanwasthemosthonestofDutchmillionaires，buthemighteasilymakealargeholeinhisfortune，ifhedidnotabsolutelyruinhimself，byputtinganimplicittrustinmyinfallibility。AsforEsther，Iconfessthatshewasnownomoretomethanapleasantmemory。
　　Inspiteofmypretenceofindifference，mywholeheartwasgiventoMdlle。X。C。V。，andIdreadedthemomentwhenshewouldbenolongerabletohideherconditionfromherfamily。Iwassorryforhavingspokenaboutthearoph，asthreedayshadgonebywithouthermentioningit，andIcouldnotverywellreopenthequestionmyself。
　　Iwasafraidthatshesuspectedmymotives，andthattheesteemsheprofessedformehadbeenreplacedbyamuchlessfriendlysentiment。
　　Ifeltthatherscornwouldbetoomuchformetobear。SohumiliatedwasIthatIcouldnotvisither，andIdoubtifIshouldhaveseenheragainifshehadnotintervened。Shewrotemeanote，inwhichshesaidIwasheronlyfriend，andthattheonlymarkoffriendshipshewantedwasthatIshouldcomeandseehereveryday，ifitwerebutforamoment。Ihastedtotakehermyreplyinmyownperson，andpromisednottoneglecther，assuringherthatatallhazardsshemightrelyonme。Iflatteredmyselfthatshewouldmentionthearoph，butshedidnotdoso。Iconcludedthat，afterthinkingitover，shehadresolvedtothinknomoreaboutit。
　　"Wouldyoulikeme，"Isaid，"toinviteyourmotherandtherestofyoutodinewithme？"
　　"Ishallbedelighted，"shereplied。"Itwillbeaforbiddenpleasuretomebeforelong。"
　　Igavethemadinnerbothsumptuousanddelicate。Ihadsparednoexpensetohaveeverythingofthebest。IhadaskedSilvia，hercharmingdaughter，anItalianmusiciannamedMagali，withwhomasisterofMdlle。X。C。V。’swastaken，andthefamousbassLaGarde。
　　Mdlle。X。C。V。wasinthehighestspiritsallthetime。Salliesofwit，jests，goodstoriesandenjoyment，werethesoulofthebanquet。
　　Wedidnotseparatetillmidnight，andbeforeleavingMdlle。X。C。V。
　　foundamomenttowhispertometocomeandseeherearlynextmorning，asshewantedtospeaktomeonmattersofimportance。
　　ItwillbeguessedthatIacceptedtheinvitation。Iwaitedonherbeforeeighto’clock。Shewasverymelancholy，andtoldmethatshewasindespair，thatlaPopelinierepressedonthemarriage，andthathermotherpersecutedher。
　　"ShetellsmethatImustsignthecontract，andthatthedressmakerwillsoonbecomingtotakemymeasureformyweddingdress。TothatIcannotconsent，foradressmakerwouldcertainlyseemysituation。
　　Iwilldieratherthanconfideinmymother，ormarrybeforeIamdelivered。"
　　"Thereisalwaystimeenoughtotalkaboutdying，"saidI，"whenallothermeanshavefailed。IthinkyoucouldeasilygetridoflaPopeliniere，whoisamanofhonour。Tellhimhowyouaresituated，andhewillactwithoutcompromisingyou，ashisowninterestissufficientlyinvolvedtomakehimkeepthesecret。"
　　"ButshouldIbemuchbetteroffthen？Andhowaboutmymother？"
　　"Yourmother？Oh！Iwillmakeherlistentoreason。"